Olympian recognises Silver Anniversary of Epping Forest Scout Project
London 2012 Olympian and British Olympic Bid Ambassador, Andrew Baggaley, visited Epping Forest last week (23 August) to take part in the 25th annual Explorer Scout Project.
Every year Explorer Scouts (aged 14-18) with over 20 Scout Leaders, from all over the UK, come together for a week to stay at Fairmead Camp site and work in Epping Forest on tasks organised by the Epping Forest Centenary Trust (EFCT). The tasks focus on conservation and access in the Forest.
This year, the Scouts provided more open water for wildlife at Bulrush Pond and both Bury Wood and Long Running have been opened up, encouraging a greater variety of wild flowers and grasses. In contrast, at Gifford Wood, new land recently added to the Forest, they have greatly improved access for people. A new waymarked trail and benches have been installed and three new entry points linking Gifford Wood with adjacent Forest areas have been constructed. Later this year, part of this area will be planted with trees, through the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
This experience directly contributes to their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Environmental Partnership Award, various scouting badges, university applications and future job opportunities.
We were delighted to once again be welcoming the Explorer Scout Project to Epping Forest. The work they do here really makes a difference and helps us to improve some of Epping Forest’s wonderful assets
It’s good to see the Scouts working together and really getting “stuck in” to improve the Forest for people and wildlife. The effective Partnership between the City of London Corporation, Epping Forest Centenary Trust and the Scouts over 25 years is still bringing benefit to the Forest and its visitors
This is a great opportunity for young people to come together making a difference to Epping Forest, its wildlife and the communities in and around the Forest. Our partnership with EFCT and City of London, which was developed during the first Project has continued to grow and now plays an integral part in the processes that bring these young people to the Forest. The work done jointly helps to develop not only their conservation skills, but also their leadership, communication and lifelong friendships, through bringing them together to further in a common aim.